Beauty pageants have been around since photographic beauty contests in the 1850’s and bathing beauty contests in the 1860’s. Despite their long history, they have struggled in recent decades to maintain relevance as cultural norms shift. The most recognizable pageant, the Miss America competition, has had to find a way to boost declining TV ratings and deal with leadership scandals.
Miss USA and its spinoffs have had to figure out how to compete with the rise of social media, and how to downplay the role of physical beauty in a contest that has been historically dominated by it. They have introduced talent and interview competitions, and tried to downplay the swimsuit round of the contest. But they have not been able to shake their reputation as a showcase for a narrow vision of beauty that prizes a demure, slender but not too thin woman with a bright white smile and a coquettish air that is flirtatious but never trashy or sultry.
But while it is easy to dismiss these criticisms as the whims of an overly sensitive and woke culture, they reflect a deeper, consistent critique that goes back to the crinoline age. If a woman is seen as an object to be judged and ogled, smiling but (except for a brief interview) largely silent, shouldn’t it come as no surprise that those who run the pageants may not treat women and girls as autonomous human beings worthy of respect and freedom?
Off Shoulder Satin Prom Dresses Ball Gown Plus Size Formal Dresses for Women Wedding Dress with Slit
$102.00 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Spadehill Womens Halloween Costume Lace Short Sleeves Swing Dress
$23.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
VFSHOW Womens Formal Sexy Halter High Slit Prom Wedding Guest Maxi Dress 2023 Illusion Sweetheart Neckline Evening Long Gown
$61.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GOOBGS Women's 1950s Retro Vintage Spaghetti Strap Cocktail Swing Dresses with Pockets
$33.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GODCUN Women's Satin Bridesmaid Dresses Off Shoulder Prom Dresses Long A Line Pleated Formal Evening Party Gowns with Slit
$49.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Likedpage Women's Sweetheart Ball Gown Tulle Quinceanera Dresses Prom Dress
$39.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Mrskoala Women Plus Size Long Maxi Wrap Dresses Summer Sundress V-neck 3/4 Sleeve
$35.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
TSMNZMU Women Gothic Mini Dress Velvet Sleeveless Lolita Dresses Emo Grunge Punk Dress Goth Sexy Halter Dress
$32.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Scarlet Darkness Women Renaissance Dress Peasant Medieval Dress Short Sleeve Maxi Dress
$46.99 (as of October 18, 2024 01:34 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)